Who Ran the Farm

Charles Dayton died Sep 26 1882 at the young age of 50. His death certificate indicated that he died of “conditions of the liver and kidneys.” He left behind a wife, Nancy, and 5 children: Delbert 24, James 20, Jennie 16, Wilbur 12 and Carrie 10. Delbert had moved to Iowa, but the rest of the children remained at home. Six months later, on March 17 1883, Nancy died of heart disease (heart attack). The children were orphans. It is not clear at this point who assumed the head of household duties. Family tradition has it that Wilber took charge of the farm and ran it. Jim was of age by this time and it not clear what role he played. Jim never married. He and Jennie moved to Greenwich to live with their Aunt Irinda at some point. Now Wilber and Carrie were alone. Carrie married in 1892. It is thought that Wilber then leased the farm until 1904 when he married Jessie Belle White, and moved back to the farm. He again leased out the farm around 1908 until it was sold in 1914. The following is an advertisement for the sale of the farm.